integrating wetland conservation into local planning · through joint programs, such as...
TRANSCRIPT
Integrating Wetland Conservation
Into Local Planning
Table of contents
Purpose of the guidebook……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….………………………………… 1
Introduction to wetlands……………………………….…….…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………………………… 2
Federal role in wetland conservation …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…….…………………………… 3
State role in wetland conservation…………………………………………………………….…...………………………………………………………………….….…….…………………… 4
Local role in wetland conservation………………………………………………….…………………………………………………………………………………..………….………………… 5
Two planning approaches for wetland conservation……………………………………………………………………………………………………….………..……..….…………… 6
Stand-alone wetland conservation planning………………………………………………………………..…………………………………………………………….……………..……… 7
Integrated wetland conservation planning.……………………………………………………………..…………………….………………………………………………………………… 8
Local planning framework for wetland conservation……………………………………………..………………………………………………………………………………………… 9
Integration avenue 1: Integrating with local comprehensive planning………………………………………………………………………………………………..…………… 10
Integration avenue 2: Integrating with hazard/floodplain mitigation planning…………………………..……………………………….…………………………………… 11
Integration avenue 3: Integrating with watershed planning ……………………………..………………………………………………….…………………………..….………… 12
Integration avenue 4: Integrating with stormwater management planning………………………………………………………….………….……………………………… 13
Integration avenue 5: Integrating with parks and recreation planning…………………………………………………………………..………………….……….…………… 14
Integration avenue 6: Integrating with infrastructure (transportation) planning…………………………………………….……………….……………………………… 15
Toolkits for wetland conservation planning……………………………………………………………………………………………….……...................………………….………… 16
Toolkit 1: Wetland maps in local plans………………………………………….………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 17
Toolkit 2: Natural system protection………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………… 18
Toolkit 3: Land-use policies (zoning, codes, standards and criteria) ………..……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 19
Toolkit 4: Land acquisition and incentive strategies………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 20
Toolkit 5: Best management practices ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………… 21
Toolkit 6: Stakeholder collaborations ……………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………………………………………… 22
Toolkit 7: Education, outreach, and engagement………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….………………………… 23
Toolkit 8: Implementation mechanisms………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…….………………………………….24.Summary for integrated wetland conservation planning…………………………………….………………………………………………………….….….…………….…….…… 25
Acknowledgements and disclaimers .………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….….……………………………………….26
References ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….….……………………………….……….27
1
The propose of this guidebook is to provide practical information to local planners and decision-makers
on how to best integrate wetland conservation into the full range of community planning activities. The
audience of this document includes those who are involved with local planning and have interests in wetland
protection, restoration, preservation, conservation, planning. As well as managing local planning efforts,
particularly for land-use planners, environmental managers, floodplain managers, parks and recreation
managers, and water resources managers.
The guidebook serves as a reference to improve local wetland conservation efforts and does not impose
legally enforceable rights or obligations for any local actions. The toolkits help promote the integration of
wetland conservation with multiple types of local planning mechanisms and thus maximize the capacity of
federal and state wetland conservation mission. This guidebook incorporates a combination of literature
review, plan evaluation, case studies, field surveys, and professional conferences relating to wetland
conservation topics. Feedback, suggestions, and comments from the stakeholders, including
federal/state/regional/local agencies, non-profit organizations, landowners, developers, and researchers, are
incorporated into this guidebook.
Purpose of the guidebook
• Land-use and zoning planners
• Environmental conservation managers
• Floodplain managers
• Hazard mitigation planners
• Park and recreational resources managers
• Transportation/infrastructure planners
• Watershed and water resources managers
• Local elected and appointed officials
• Consultants for planning engineering, construction
• Environmental researchers/educators
Zhenghong Tang, Ph.D, Professor
University of Nebraska Lincoln
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (402) 472-9281
Ted LaGrange
Wetland Program Manager
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (402) 471-5436
Targeted readers for this guidebook
Contacts
Suggested citation for this document
Tang, Z., LaGrange, T., Zhang, L., Cyboron, J., Hu, Q., Wei, T., Henson, J., 2020, Integrating Wetland
Conservation Into Local Planning, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska.
2
Introduction to wetlands
What are wetlands?
• Store flood waters within wetlands, slows runoff, and reduce flooding damages/expenditures
• Preserve natural drainage features, and enhance ground water recharge
• Minimalize the need to construct, repair, maintain, or replace structural infrastructure
• Reduce soil loss and erosion of stream beds and banks, and hold sediment in wetlands
• Intercept pollutants and treat polluted water before reaching lakes, streams, and other water bodies
• Provide spawning, nesting, and feeding areas for fish, waterfowl, and wildlife, and enhance biodiversity
• Enhance scenic beauty and use of adjacent water bodies for biking, canoeing, boating, outdoor activities
• Provide opportunities for outdoor recreation, open space, educational/research sites for local schools
• Improve ecosystem condition for water quality/quantity, wildlife/fisheries habitat, groundwater supplies
Why wetlands are important for local community?
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers defines wetlands as "Those areas that are inundated or saturated by
surface or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal
circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions.
Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bogs, and similar areas" (USACE 1987). This definition of wetlands
has been used by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency since the
1970s for regulatory purposes.
The three characteristics used for wetland delineation are vegetation, soils, and hydrology. U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers published the 1987 Corps Wetland Delineation Manual and the Regional Supplements to
Corps Wetland Delineation Manual.
Wetland vegetation Wetland hydrology Wetland hydric soils
3
Federal role in wetland conservation
Clean Water Act (CWA) of 1972 This act includes a numbers of sections relating to wetlands.
Section 404: establishes a program to regulate the discharge of dredged and fill
material into waters of the United States, including wetlands.
Section 403: Ocean Discharge Criteria; Section 402 - National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System; Section 401 - State Certification of Water Quality; Section 309 -
Federal Enforcement Authority; Section 308 - Inspections, Monitoring, Entry; Section 502 -
General Definitions
National Environmental Policy
Act of 1969 (NEPA)
NEPA is the basic national charter for protection of the environment. It establishes policy,sets goals, and provides means for carrying out the policy.
Rivers & Harbors Appropriation
Act of 1899
This act establishes a program to regulate activities affecting navigation in United Stateswaters, including wetlands.
Federal Agriculture Improvement
and Reform Act of 1996
This act is commonly known as the Farm Bill, the 1996 revisions included modifications tofour programs related to the conservation of wetlands on agricultural land.
Endangered Species Act (ESA) This act provides a program for the conservation of threatened and endangered plantsand animals and the habitats in which they are found.
Transportation Equity Act for the
21st Century (TEA-21)
This act authorizes funding to improve the Nation´s transportation infrastructure,
enhance economic growth and protect the environment, including opportunities to
improve water quality and restore wetlands.
Coastal Wetlands Planning,
Protection & Restoration Act
(CWPPRA)
This act is designed to identify, prepare, and fund construction of coastal wetlands
restoration projects.
North American Wetlands
Conservation Act (NAWCA)
This act provides funding and administrative direction for implementation of the North
American Waterfowl Management Plan and the Tripartite Agreement on wetlands.
Section 404(b)(1)
Guidelines
Compensatory
Mitigation Rule
Fill Material Permit Regulations
Program Definitions
and Permit Exemptions
Section 404(c) Regulations
Nationwide Permit
Program
Enforcement Regulations
State Assumption
Regulations
Tribal Assumption Regulations
Executive Order 11988: Floodplain Management
Executive Order 11990: Protection of Wetlands
Executive Order 12630: Government Actions and Interference withConstitutionally Protected Property Rights
Executive Order 12962: Recreational Fisheries
Executive Order 13186: Responsibilities of Federal Agencies toProtect Migratory Birds
Major federal laws relating to wetlands
Major federal regulations relating to wetlands
Major executive orders relating to wetlands
The summary tables of the major federal laws, regulations, and executive orders relating to wetlands are dated on December, 2019. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lists the major laws, regulations, and executive orders on wetlands on the EPA website.
Major federal agencies relating to wetland protection and regulations
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps)
• U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
• National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
4
State role in wetland conservation
State-level wetland management programs also serve an important role in restoration and management,
land acquisition, program coordination, public education, and community engagement. State-level wetland
programs help bridge federal and local agencies in wetland conservation. These roles help protect the
critical wetland resources in each state. State programs can help achieve wetland conservation goals
through joint programs, such as conservation easements, wetland and stream restoration, floodplain
management, invasive species management, endangered and threatened species management,
stormwater management, waterfront revitalization, and water quality program (e.g. Total Maximum Daily
Loads ).
For example, the state of Nebraska does not have any wetland-specific regulatory statutes or
administrative rules. However, there are a number of state-level regulations relating to wetlands.
• Nebraska Floodplain Management Statutes
• Nebraska State Programmatic General or Regional Permits
• Section 401 Water Quality Certification for the Clean Water Act
• Nebraska statute Title 117: Nebraska surface water quality standards
• Nebraska Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act (NESCA)
State governments play essential roles in wetland conservation. Each state develops its own wetland
program plan, conducts regular monitoring and assessments, and adopts state-level regulations for wetland
management. Each state has its own regulations, policies and programs on wetland protection, restoration,
permitting, and management. Four types of wetlands regulatory and permitting programs included in the
state and tribal programs regulating wetland resources are:
• 401 certification of the Clean Water Act: A state-level (or tribe) certification is needed to be valid for the
federal permits/licenses under the Clean Water Act.
• 404 assumption of the Clean Water Act: With the assumption of the 404 permitting authority, a state and
tribe can issue the 404 permits under the Clean Water Act for the discharge of dredged or fill material into
waters of the U.S. within the state’s/tribe’s jurisdiction. Only a few states have done this.
• State Programmatic General Permit (SPGP) or a Regional General Permit (RGP): These general permits are
issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and authorize certain types of wetland-related or
aquatic-related activities regulated by another entity such as a state or tribe.
• Other regulatory items: A state or tribe can implement some state-level or tribal-level regulatory or
permitting programs under state or tribal laws and regulations independent of EPA or USACE review to
avoid, minimize, and or compensate for impacts to wetlands and other aquatic resources. Based upon its
wetland conditions, each state and tribe can develop its own regulatory or permitting programs, such as
dredging and filling, mitigation (In-lieu fee, Stream mitigation), water quality standards for wetlands, or
voluntary restoration and protection.
5
Local role in wetland conservation
Information
sharing role
Wetland-related information can be shared with key stakeholders and general citizens to increase
public awareness, promote public participation, and build a consensus vision for wetland
conservation. Wetland mapping is an important tool for information sharing to highlight the location,
type, size, and environmental context for community wetlands.
Regulatory role Local jurisdictions typically have regulatory programs that can be used to directly protect wetlandswithin their jurisdictions. A series tools of local regulations can be applied to improve wetland
conservation. Local communities can adopt land-use regulations, ordinances, zoning requirements,and other mandatory policies for wetland protection.
Spending and
taxation role
Wetland conservation concepts and efforts can be prioritized through local spending and taxation
programs (e.g. capital improvement programs, budget arrangement, specific taxation districts,
preferential assessment, and others).
Acquisition role Local jurisdictions can acquire specific wetlands, purchase development rights or conservation
easements for wetland conservation.
Coordination
role
At the community level, coordination can be made with multiple agencies to promote wetland
conservation activities. While local jurisdictions plan or implement projects, there are multiple
opportunities to incorporate wetland protection and wetland creation into local planning activities.
Wetlands are often adjacent to rivers, streams, lakes, or floodplains. They have critical ecological values
and functions to communities. Systematic identification of water-related issues, such as flood control, pollution
prevention, fish propagation, wildlife habitat, and recreation can help stakeholders build consensus for
wetland management. Wetlands are often subject to a series of federal, state, and local regulations and
policies, such as water quality regulations, floodplain regulations, and stormwater policies. Wetland
management typically relies on professional wetland managers.
Local communities play a crucial role in helping achieve the national goal of “no-net-loss of wetlands”
and “increasing the quantity and quality of wetlands”. Local communities have the authority and opportunity
to integrate wetland conservation into their planning programs and decision-making frameworks. Local
communities can implement the policies from the state and federal governments in wetland conservation.
Local communities often take the primary responsibility for local land-use management, natural resources
protection, and environmental protection. Local initiatives and regulations, such as land-use planning and
zoning, are key means through which local/regional entities (such as cities, towns, villages, counties, natural
resources agencies, and watershed management agencies) can protect wetland resources within their
planning and zoning jurisdictions. Local wetland management efforts can be coordinated and integrated
with multiple local water-related protection and restoration programs (Kusler 2003). Local communities can
play an information-sharing role, regulatory role, spending and taxation role, acquisition role, and
coordination role that can help wetland conservation.
Local roles in wetland conservation
6
Wetland protection, conservation, preservation, restoration, and management connect to local planning
programs. Local efforts can directly contribute to wetland conservation through floodplain management,
parks and recreation planning, land-use planning, transportation planning, stormwater management, water
supply, point source pollution control, nonpoint source pollution control, watershed management, riparian
protection, habitat conservation, and fisheries management.
Not only should local wetland conservation programs protect existing wetlands, but they also should
emphasize restorable wetlands. Wetland conservation efforts should give attention to the wetlands and the
associated watersheds.
At the local community level, there are two different approaches for wetland conservation: (1) stand-
alone wetland conservation planning, (2) integrated wetland conservation planning. Even though the two
approaches are different, the goals and processes of these two approaches are similar. Both the stand-alone
wetland conservation planning and an integrated wetland conservation planning approach can facilitate
local actions to improve wetland quantity and quality.
Two planning approaches for wetland conservation
An integrated wetland conservation plan
emphasizes the incorporation of wetland
conservation efforts into existing planning
mechanisms, rather than having a separate
planning document. Wetland conservation
programs need to be put in a context of
coordination with broader, multi-objective
perspectives (Kusider 2003). The integrated wetland
planning process can bridge different agency
programs and geographical boundaries, maximize
areas of expertise, build collaborative partnerships,
and organize multi-objective visions while building
consensus. Collaboration is needed to facilitate
inter-agency communication for integrated efforts
to incorporate wetland elements into their existing
planning framework.
Pros: A collaborative platform, multi-objective
opportunity; better procedural integration; fewer
implementation barriers
Cons: Conflicting interests; collaboration challenges;
time to build trust and collaboration
Stand-alone wetland conservation planning
A stand-alone wetland conservation plan refers to a
specific plan only for wetland conservation
purposes. It may also be called a local wetland
protection plan, local wetland management plan,
wetland preservation plan, wetland restoration plan,
etc. This approach develops a plan to address the
theme of wetland conservation efforts specifically.
The stand-alone wetland conservation planning
process can centralize community resources and
prioritize community-wide policies for wetland
conservation. It can help improve public awareness,
Identify community wetland resources, and engage
stakeholders and the public into the planning
process for wetland conservation. When political
support and planning resources are available, a
stand-alone wetland conservation plan could be the
right choice.
Pros: One document; a centralized planning
process; collective efforts; greater attention
Cons: Limited stakeholders involved in the planning
process; extra cost; limited authority; separation from
existing local plans; implementation difficulty
Integrated wetland conservation planning
7
To develop a stand-alone wetland conservation plan, the community first needs to select a planning
team leader to coordinate the entire planning process. After a core planning team is organized, more
stakeholders from other agencies (including the federal, state, regional, and local levels) can review
existing materials that the plan may need. The geographic area needs to be clarified, and the locations
of wetlands and related water resources are necessary to be illustrated on maps. The planning team can
work with stakeholders to evaluate the existing problems and highlight possible future challenges.
Moreover, multiple scenarios and alternatives need to be compared and assessed to predict future
changes. The planning team, stakeholders, and the public can jointly develop the overall vision and
specific goals dealing with their community’s wetland resources.
Public involvement can help increase public awareness and build consensus for wetland-related
planning processes. Based on the community’s vision and goals, an important step is to develop
appropriate tools, policies, and strategies for wetland conservation. Each specific goal should have a
number of applicable actions. The wetland tools, policies, and strategies may include regulatory policies,
incentive policies, land acquisition programs, education programs, etc.
The implementation, evaluation, and modification are necessary steps to ensure the funding
resources and responsible agencies with specific times to implement the planning policies. If there are
dynamic changes, the plan needs to be updated.
Stand-alone wetland conservation planning
Planning process for stand-alone wetland conservation plan
Ten steps for wetland conservation planning
Step 1: Identify lead agency and staff and develop a representative planning team
Step 2: Establish public engagement strategy
Step 3: Define planning area (map)
Step 4: Review relevant planning documents
Step 5: Begin public engagement strategy
Step 6: Initiate analysis of wetlands
Step 7: Establish targeted outcomes/goals
Step 8: Develop policies/tools/strategies to achieve outcomes
Step 9: Establish measureable objectives in implementing goals, policies, and outcomes
Step 10: Implementation of the actions and conduct monitoring, and updating as needed
8
Plan integration means a two-way exchange of information between wetland conservation initiatives and
community planning mechanisms. The integration process can synthesize information from a variety of
professionals about wetland conditions. The integrated planning process can provide a common
informational basis about wetland conditions for multiple plans to improve efficiencies. The scope of plan
integration involves plans, policies, codes, programs dealing with wetland resources. The process of plan
integration offers an opportunity for various departments within the local government to work together. Plan
integration blends a community’s plans, policies, codes, and programs to reduce potential conflicts, build
trust, and find “win-win” solutions to achieve multiple objectives.
More Integrated planning mechanisms allow the community to take full advantage of various resources,
thus support multiple objectives, including those identified within other planning processes. Wetland
conservation can be integrated in multiple types of local plans, policies, codes, and programs, including land-
use comprehensive plan, hazard mitigation plan, transportation plan, water supply and resources
management plan, stormwater management plan, parks and recreation plan, area/community
development plan, capital Improvement Program, zoning regulations & municipal ordinances, and
administrative procedures and policies.
Integrated wetland conservation planning
Planning elements with connections to wetland conservation
Wetland Conservation
Land-use planning & zoning
Water resources management(Stormwater,
groundwater, etc.)
Floodplain management & hazard mitigation
Watershed/ecosystem management
Parks and recreation planning
Transportation/ infrastructure planning
Other local plans, policies, codes, and programs
Operational programs/procedures
9
Local jurisdictions have the authority to determine land-use. Wetland conservation can be fully integrated
with local land-use based planning structure, including local comprehensive plans, functional plans (e.g.,
hazard mitigation plan, parks/recreation plan), area plans (e.g., subarea, neighborhood), and operational
programs/procedures (e.g., zoning ordinances and municipal codes, site review criteria, capital improvement
programs, and other aspects of local planning activities). Local jurisdictions can also play active roles in
monitoring activities near or in wetlands and can prioritize all related projects/programs/plans/requirements to
facilitate wetland monitoring, restoration, and management.
• Local (land-use) comprehensive plans serve as a blueprint, shaping future development and
establishing a proactive platform to protect important community natural resources and address
potential community challenges. Local comprehensive plans are a perfect channel to identify the
critical wetland resources and develop strategic policies to balance land development and wetland
conservation.
• Function plans generally address specific functions or services, such as hazard mitigation,
transportation, water supply, stormwater management, or parks and recreation, etc. This category of
particular functional plans can expand the community capacities in wetland conservation by
incorporating the conservation concept into other community planning mechanisms.
• Area plans are developed focusing on specific geographic areas such as neighborhoods, central
business districts, watersheds, transportation corridors, etc. The area plan could help implement
conservation strategies into some important geographic areas which may have critical wetland
resources.
• Operational programs/procedures provide opportunities to combine wetland conservation with some
local daily operational activities, such as capital improvement programs, zoning regulations and
municipal ordinances, and administrative procedures.
Local planning framework for wetland conservation
Local comprehensive plan
Function plan- Hazard mitigation plan- Transportation plan- Water supply/resources plan- Stormwater management plan- Parks and recreation plan
Area plan- Neighborhood plan - Community plan- Downtown plan - Watershed plan- Airport plan - Corridor plan
Capital Improvement Programs
• Infrastructure improvement program
• Capital budget prioritization
Zoning Regulations & Municipal Ordinances• Zoning ordinances• Subdivision
regulations• Building codes• Design standards
AdministrativeProcedures
• Plan review• Construction
permit• Building permit
Local planning framework
10
The comprehensive plan is also called a comprehensive development plan, master plan, or general plan.
The local comprehensive plan is a fundamental planning blueprint to guide local physical growth and
development at the community level (such as cities, villages, counties, etc.) (Scholz et al. 2002). The local
comprehensive planning process offers a collaborative framework for the preservation of valued existing
community resources. Local comprehensive plans provide umbrella guidance to regulate community land-
use, public facilities, utilities, transportation, housing, and environmental protection. All other community plans
and policies need to be consistent with the local comprehensive plan.
A future land-use map is typically included in the local comprehensive plan to guide future land-use and
development within a community. The locations of wetlands can be marked on future land-use maps to guide
proposed future land-use. The land suitability analysis can be conducted to ensure compatible land-use with
agriculture, housing, commerce, industry, recreation, education, public buildings and lands, and other
categories of public and private use of land.
Integrating wetland conservation with local comprehensive planning can facilitate planning consistency
within and concurrency between different community plans. The integration process can increase the visibility
and elevate policy priority in local competitive resources and improve the likelihood of successful
implementation and improve coordination among agencies. Through effective integration, conservation
agencies can reduce conflicts resulting from uncoordinated land-use decisions and promote comprehensive
solutions to wetland problems. The integration process can promote public engagement in conservation
efforts.
Even though the structure and content of local comprehensive plans may be different in each
community, wetland conservation concepts and actions can be incorporated into each planning
component, including the factual base; goals and objectives; stakeholder coordination and public
participation; policies, tools, and strategies; and implementation, monitoring, and updates.
The below strategies can be considered during the local comprehensive planning process:• Mark wetlands on the maps of existing and future land-uses
• Describe wetland values, conditions, and challenges
• Describe major environmental laws, regulations, and permits relating to wetlands
• Set a goal for “no-net-loss of wetlands” or “increase the quantity and quality of wetlands”• Set a goal to achieve sustainable and healthy ecosystems and protect biodiversity• Coordinate with governmental and non-governmental agencies• Incorporate the key stakeholders and the public into the planning process• Promote public awareness programs for wetlands
• Adopt regulatory policies: land permitted use, land-use restrictions, density restrictions, buffer requirements, creationof special conservation zones, sensitive area protection, control of urban service/growth boundaries, open spaceprotection
• Consider some incentive tools: transfer of development rights, density bonus or bonus zoning for environmentalprotection, clustering away from environmentally sensitive areas, mixed-use, infill/redevelopment
• Adopt conservation easements: Land trust, purchase of development rights, land acquisition programs, land andmitigation banking, property tax reduction/adjustment for conservation
• Apply financial tools: development impact fees for environmental protection, capital improvement program forenvironmental protection
• Identify each major agency’s responsibilities in wetland/environmental protection• Give a clear, reliable time schedule for conservation programs
Integration avenue 1:
Integrating with local comprehensive planning
11
Wetlands are often physically located in lower elevation areas and are typically found in
transitional areas between aquatic systems and uplands. Wetlands are often overlaid with
riparian areas and floodplains. Thus, wetland conservation is naturally connected to hazard
mitigation planning and floodplain management efforts.
Local governmental entities are required to develop and submit hazard mitigation plans
to be eligible to receive federal funds, including the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, Pre-
Disaster Mitigation Program, and Flood Mitigation Assistance Program. Floodplain and wetland
protection can create wildlife habitat, improve water quality, reduce flood risk, and increase
carbon sequestration. Several tools dealing with land-use regulations and ordinances, natural
system protection, and structure/infrastructure projects, can achieve the “win-win” goals for
both floodplain management and wetland conservation. These tools are some examples:
• Mark wetlands on the floodplain maps
• Acquire floodplain/wetland lands for parks, recreation, flood reduction, waterfront
renewal, open space, and greenways along creeks, streams, rivers, and lakes
• Relocate existing structures out of floodplain/wetland areas and restore
wetlands/floodplains/riparian areas to natural or semi-natural conditions
• List wetland protection and restoration as a tool for flood/hazard mitigation
• Incorporate wetland conservation into structure and infrastructure projects for flood risk
reduction
• Adopt combined ordinances to regulate wetland conservation and floodplain
management
• Identify areas where wetland development could reduce peak flows or reduce flood risk
Integration avenue 2:
Integrating with hazard/floodplain mitigation planning
Map shows the overlap of floodplain and wetlands in east side of Omaha, NE
12
Watersheds are defined by a natural hydrological boundary, which is the most logical basis
for managing water resources within the natural boundary. Wetlands are important natural features
in watersheds. Watershed-based management approaches are vital to restoring hydrological
integrity and enhancing wetland ecosystem services. EPA identified the six steps for watershed
planning under section 319 Nonpoint Source Clean Water Act grant (USEPA, 2015). Wetland
conservation efforts can be fully incorporated into the six steps of the watershed planning process.
• Step 1: Build partnerships: (1) Coordinate with partners at a watershed scale, including local/regional/state/federalwatershed (or water resources) management program staff, water-related fisheries/wildlife/habitat managementprogram staff, planners for land-use planning, transportation planning, and hazard mitigation planning, staff fromnonprofit organizations and environmental groups, and representatives from landowners and developers, and others. (2)Identify the common interests and specify needs from the key stakeholders.
• Step 2: Characterize watershed conditions: (1) Identify the critical problem relating to wetland ecosystem at watershedscale, including inadequate water supply, flood risk areas, erosion and sedimentation sources, pollution problems, loss ofwildlife and habitat, etc. (2) Make boundary map for wetlands, riparian areas, floodplains, lakes, streams, and other waterbodies. (3) Evaluate hydrologic and ecological interrelationships at the watershed scale.
• Step 3: Identify goals and solutions: (1) Incorporate "no net loss of wetlands" as a watershed planning goal. (2) Increasethe quantity and quality of the nation's wetland resources as a watershed planning goal. (3) Consider wetlandconservation as an essential part of the watershed planning goals for the protection of natural hydrologic regimes,biodiversity, connectivity of ecosystems, and rare and endangered species.
• Step 4: Design implementation programs: (1) List potential wetland/aquatic sites to guide future restoration projects (e.g.,mitigation banks) and future land development. (2) Provide maps/inventories of hydrological modifications (e.g., dams,dikes, road canvas, levees) affecting waters and wetland/aquatic ecosystems. (3) Identify the areas with possiblewetland/aquatic ecosystem functions for further in-depth study or decision making.
• Step 5: Implement policies: (1) Local development ordinances and permits: limit development density, site designrequirements (e.g., impervious surface limits or open space, riparian buffer or setback requirements), lot size, tree removal,creation of impermeable surfaces at the watershed scale. (2) Implement conservation programs for wetland restoration,wetland creation, and wetland enhancement (reclamation of gravel/agricultural pits; streambank stabilization efforts;constructing/retrofitting of stormwater detention/retention facilities; reduction of sediments into wetlands; recovery ofhydrological connection to wetlands; vegetation management).
• Step 6: Measure progress and make updates: (1) Participate in watershed-level monitoring programs, such as waterquality, floodplain, fisheries/wildlife/habitats. (2) Participate in the watershed planning updating process.
Integration avenue 3:
Integrating with watershed planning
A watershed map showing the hydrological connection to wetlands
13
Natural wetlands should not be used as priority treatment of stormwater runoff. Man-made
wetlands have been considered as an essential stormwater treatment tool, particularly for urban
areas. Stormwater discharges are subject to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES), state-level water quality 401 certifications, and local ordinances/regulations. Wetlands,
including both natural wetlands and man-made wetlands, serve as a part of essential best
management practices for stormwater management. Wetland areas are very suitable solutions for
managing non-point source pollution, particularly in urbanizing areas. Wetlands can help achieve
the critical environmental, economic, and social goals in stormwater management/planning.
Wetlands naturally contribute to rainwater harvesting, stormwater runoff volume reduction, peak
flow reduction, increasing water infiltration, groundwater recharge, water quality improvement,
and flood risk reduction. Wetlands also work as open spaces and green spaces to attract
resources to the community and improve social amenities for the health and well-being of the
community (US EPA, 2016).
Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP) is also called a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan
(SWPPP). SWMP (or SWPPP) identifies structural and non-structural best management practices to
minimize negative environmental impacts caused by stormwater discharges. Wetland
conservation can be a part of the SWMPs or SWPPPs is to eliminate or reduce erosion and runoff of
pollutants and sediment to water bodies. Wetlands physically are often the lowest places in the
drainage areas. Thus, they have natural advantages to hold runoffs and sediments.
The below policies can be used to promote both wetland conservation and stormwater
management at the community level.
• Identify wetlands/streams/water bodies as natural features and map them during the
assessment of existing construction site conditions
• Protect/restore natural wetlands as filters and buffers to reduce non-point source pollutions
to water bodies (e.g., lakes, streams, creeks, etc.)
• Construct artificial wetlands to intercept pollutants from agricultural/urban lands, retain
sediment on-site, and control dewatering practices
• Adopt low impact development techniques to reduce erosion and improve water quality
for wetland areas
• Adopt community regulations, policies, codes for stormwater, fills, grading, sanitary/septic
waste, vegetation removal, and pesticide usage to reduce pollutants and sediments into
wetlands
• Limit the percentage of impermeable surfaces, and limit development density at the
watershed level
• Promote the use of soil and water conservation practices around wetlands/streams
Integration avenue 4:
Integrating with stormwater management planning
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Wetlands have important social functions for the general public when open spaces are
increasingly viewed as valuable amenities to the quality of life in a community. Wetlands are
often associated with the edges of lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams. At the community level,
wetlands also serve as public parks, open spaces, green spaces, or recreational water areas.
Wetlands are essential components of community parks and recreational sites. These local parks
and recreation sites can bring broad health benefits to the people, such as fresh air, sunlight,
scenic views, physical exercise space, and a natural aesthetic place. Thus, local park and
recreation agencies help promote wetland protection and restoration. Wetlands, as an
essential component of local parks and recreational sites, can be used effectively as buffers,
transition zones, and barriers, when it is desirable to provide separation between different land-
uses or neighborhoods in a community. In local parks and recreational planning, wetlands are
important assets that add to the social and economic development of the local community.
The suggestions to improve the integration of wetland conservation with park and recreation
planning are provided in the below list:
• Identify wetlands on the map of local park and recreational facilities
• Dedicate wetlands as open space, green space, and park sites
• Identify the area of a site that includes wetlands and submerged areas as non-buildable areas
• Design tails at adequate buffer distance from wetlands
• Use trails or bike lanes to connect to wetlands for recreational purpose
• Collaborate with landowners and developers to protect natural wetlands and build new wetlands
• Establish signs and display boards for education purposes of understanding community wetlands
• Team with local public school systems for wetland-related field tours
• Restore wetland functions as a part of parks facility improvement efforts
Integration avenue 5:
Integrating with parks and recreation planning
Wetland conservation jointed with trails, floodplain storage area, and open space in Wilderness Park in
Lincoln, NE
15
Public infrastructure provides for the safety and well-being of all residents in the planning
areas. Public infrastructure development is an excellent opportunity to consider wetland
conservation. Public infrastructure includes transportation systems for vehicular, rail, air, bike,
and pedestrian travel and public facilities for water, sanitary sewers, storm sewers, solid waste
disposal sites, etc. Wetland conservation concepts can be incorporated into the site selection,
design, construction, and maintenance of the public infrastructure planning, such as airports,
rail corridors, hiking/biking/pedestrian trails, sewer treatment facilities, etc.
When wetlands are impacted by public infrastructure projects, federal, state, and local
regulations require avoidance, minimization, mitigation, or compensation, for those impacts.
Compensatory mitigation includes creating, restoring, or enhancing wetlands. Below are some
strategies to promote the integration of infrastructure/transportation planning with wetland
conservation.
• Build and strengthen collaborative partnerships among stakeholders
• Identify high-quality wetlands that may be affected by the infrastructure (transportation)
development by considering the criteria for high functionality, rare wetland types, habitat to serve
threatened or/and endangered species, biological/hydrological/ecosystem connectivity, a high
priority of wetland importance, biodiversity richness, and wetland size
• Map of transportation, land-use, conservation, and restoration priorities under potential
development scenarios
• Link wetland mitigation with multiple-purpose projects, such as fish habitat or stream corridor
improvements, soil erosion control, flood control, and water quality improvements
• combine traditional wetland mitigation practices (creation or restoration) with wetland
preservation
• Participate in a mitigation banking program as a type of “savings account” for wetland mitigation
• Use the best management practices of design “with nature” to support and enhance
wetlands/environmental systems in built infrastructure
Integration avenue 6:
Integrating with infrastructure (transportation) planning
Photo of the Merriman South Wetland Mitigation site completed in 2008 as a part of the Nebraska Department of Transportation’s wetland mitigation banks
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Toolkits for wetland conservation planning
In the United States, most wetlands are privately owned, while local governments implement
most of the land-use policies. Local planning is a useful platform to serve wetland conservation.
Effective local planning can help achieve the goal that wetlands are protected, and all
functional values be considered in a protection program. American Planning Association (2002)
released the wetland policy guide and supports the goal for wetland preservation. The guide
recognizes the importance of wetlands, suggests wetland protection techniques, and
emphasizes avoidance and minimization of wetland impacts before compensatory mitigation.
Avoidance requires locating development, fills, structures, and other land-use activities outside of
wetlands. Minimization emphasizes reducing the possible environmental impact of activities upon
wetlands where avoidance is not feasible. Mitigation is a backup option when avoidance and
minimization cannot be implemented. Mitigation refers to wetland restoration, creation, and
other techniques to compensate for losses to wetland ecosystems.
Through the toolkits for integrated wetland planning, communities can increase cross-agency
coordination, reduce possible conflicts, remove procedural duplication, and save operational
costs in complying with environmental regulations. Integrated wetland planning will improve the
protection and restoration of wetlands, improve the ability to allocate lands for most suitable
uses, and meet the needs of landowners.
To protect the ecological integrity of wetlands, efforts should be made to maintain the
natural hydrologic regime, including natural flood cycles. Fragmentation should be avoided, and
hydrologic connectivity between wetlands, other waters, and upland ecosystems should be
maintained.
The toolkits are the most practical points to promote wetland conservation planning at local
levels. Local jurisdictions can develop their own policies and practices based on their specific
wetland conditions and needs.
• Toolkit 1: Wetland maps in local plans
• Toolkit 2: Natural system protection
• Toolkit 3: Land acquisition and incentive strategies
• Toolkit 4: Land-use policies (zoning, codes, standards, criteria)
• Toolkit 5: Best management practices
• Toolkit 6: Stakeholder collaborations
• Toolkit 7: Education, outreach, and engagement
• Toolkit 8: Implementation mechanisms
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1.1 Create community wetland maps/inventories based on the National Wetland Inventory (NWI),
Soil Survey Geographic Database (SSURGO), and other data sources
1.2 Update and improve the accuracy of existing wetland maps for regulatory and planning
purposes
1.3 Share wetland maps for public information, education, outreach, collaboration and
engagement
1.4 Prioritize the critical wetland resources as a decision-making supporting tool
1.5 Document wetland loss and degradation, and identify key challenges/factors for wetland
services
Toolkit 1: Wetland maps in local plans
The above map illustrates the saline wetlands on north side of City of Lincoln, NE.
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2.1 Adopt permitted use ordinances to protect natural systems for wetland conservation:
• Recreation for birdwatching, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hunting, and boardwalks
• Harvesting of timber and wild crops
• Open space uses
• Other permitted uses
2.2 Adopt prohibited use (without special exception or variance) ordinances for wetland
conservation:
• Restrictions on dredging, filling, drainage, and other activities which will substantially damage
or destroy wetlands
• Conservancy restriction for floodplain areas
• Limitation of water-front development to water-dependent uses
• Prohibited land development for the purposes of dune protection and vegetation protection
2.3 Adopt regulations for protecting wetlands on local public lands (e.g., parks, greenways, forest
areas, playgrounds)
2.4 Adopt environmental regulations for natural system protection, including:
• Habitat protection and restoration areas
• Environmentally sensitive areas
• Natural drainage ways, streams, wetlands, and water bodies
• Stormwater detention areas
• Open space preservation areas
• Erosion and sedimentation control areas
• Stream corridor restoration areas
• Stream setback and buffer areas
• Groundwater recharging areas with wetlands
2.5 Join other conservation efforts at larger scales with broader purposes to maintain and improve
wetland ecosystem services, wetland integrity and functionality, such as wildlife and fisheries
conservation, species conservation and biodiversity enhancement, habitat conservation,
watershed management, parks and recreation, and hazard mitigation, etc.
Toolkit 2: Natural system protection
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3.1 Zone specific areas for “wetland conservancy”, "conservancy area", “sensitive area”, "critical
area", “green space”, "open space“, “wetland/conservation overlay zone”, or other
“protection zone”
3.2 Require some large residential zones and subdivisions to create or maintain a certain wetland
area on each lot
3.3 Adopt design standards to protect wetlands and encourage dedication of wetlands as open
space or for stormwater management purposes for local land-use activities, including site plan
review, project review and permitting, lot split or lot division, lot line adjustment, parcel
consolidation, open space and conservation design, and public infrastructure project planning
and design
3.4 Adopt building codes, utility codes, and sanitary code for flood hazard resistance, open space
protection, and wetland conservation
3.5 Allow variances from road standards, zoning setbacks, and infrastructure requirements for
wetland conservation
3.6 Develop other types of land-use policies for wetland conservation: performance zoning, hazard
setback ordinances, form-based zoning, and rezone
Toolkit 3: Land-use policies (zoning, codes,
standards, and criteria)
Conservation zoning to protect some of the wetland resources in Sarpy County (Nebraska) Comprehensive Plan
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4.1 Participate in and promote land acquisition programs to protect specific wetlands
• Conservation easements (conservation covenant, conservation restriction or conservation
servitude): Planners can help engage landowners with land trust agencies (a qualified
private land conservation organization) or government agencies at municipal, county, state,
federal level to reach voluntary legal agreements to limits uses of lands in a designated land
area for conservation purposes.
• Land trusts: Planners can help facilitate the voluntary mutual agreements in which property
owners transfer the title to a trustee for conservation purposes.
• Purchase the critical wetlands and undeveloped lands with wetland functions: Planners can
help identify the critical wetlands for public purchases for community open space, local
parks, recreational trails, and natural education sites.
4.2 Adopt local incentive strategies to promote wetland conservation
• Purchase development rights: This incentive-based, voluntary tool helps achieve the goal of
permanently protecting the valuable wetlands, and the property owners can still retain
ownership and management.
• Transfer of development rights (credits): This voluntary, market-driven growth management
tool supports higher intensity development in designated “receiving” areas (such as an area
without wetlands or critical habitats) in exchange for land or resource preservation in
designated “sending” areas (such as an area with wetlands or other critical habitats)
(Morley, 2018).
• Density bonuses: Incentives for either funds or in-kind support given to developers to increase
the maximum allowable development in an area that normally does not have critical
environmental impacts in exchange for specified purposes (e.g., wetland conservation, open
space protection, etc.).
• Clustered development: Development projects can be grouped in smaller lots to preserve
the remaining land on the site for certain specific purposes, such as open space, or
protection of environmentally sensitive areas, and parks and recreation areas.
4.3 Adopt local tax increment financing incentives to support wetland conservation: Local
governments can adopt financial incentives to promote conservation at the community level.
• Property tax reduction
• Land preservation tax credits
• Lower tax rates
• Special tax assessment
• Impact fees
Toolkit 4: Land acquisition and incentive strategies
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5.1 Restore wetland hydrology at the watershed scale: Full hydrologic restoration or partial
hydrologic recovery are vital steps to convert non-functioning lands back to functioning
wetlands. Recovery of hydrological modifications from irrigation reuse pits, surface drains,
terraces, ditches, culverts, and berms, can improve drainage patterns into the wetlands at
watershed scales. Watershed-based planning is a critical approach to determine a restoration
project’s location and relevant implementation characteristics of the restoration or
replacement of wetlands.
5.2 Establish buffer for wetlands: Establishment of vegetation buffers around wetlands, both on
adjacent uplands, is a practical approach to lessen sediment accumulation and thus maintain
a high level of wetland functionality. Acquisition of surrounding land allows wetland managers
to fill pits appropriately, graze invasive vegetation, plug surface drainages, and pump water to
wetlands. Protection of the surrounding areas of wetlands can benefit vegetation
management and hydrologic restoration. The protection of round-out lands helps build more
resilient wetland systems, thus results in increased frequency and duration of functional wetland
status.
5.3 Conduct vegetation restoration: Vegetation restoration, management, and maintenance are
essential components for wetland conservation. Reducing invasive species and improving
current vegetation conditions is a continuous need for wetland restoration and enhancement.
5.4 Control soil erosion and sediment input wetland: Soil erosion and sedimentation can reduce the
water holding capacity of wetlands and likely reduce the hydroperiod lengths as well.
Sedimentation control practices protect soil inputs generated by bare ground. Protecting
wetlands from a reduction in function due to sedimentation inputs caused by urban and
agricultural runoff remains the highest priority.
Toolkit 5: Best management practices
22
6.1 Link local approval to state/federal wetland permits and programs
• Clean Water Act, 404 permit
• Clean Water Act, 401 water quality certification
6.2 Collaborate wetland conservation with federal hazard/floodplain programs:
• National Flood Insurance Program
• FEMA Community Rating System
• Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
• Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program
• Flood Mitigation Assistance Program
6.3 Collaborate with partners to restore and construct wetlands for pollution, stormwater, parks,
recreation, tourism, fish and wildlife, and other purposes that can partially protect wetlands
along with objectives:
• Floodplain and floodway protection regulations (combined ordinances for floodplain and
wetland protection)
• Stormwater, soil erosion and sedimentation control ordinances (to encourage or require
onsite detection or wetland construction)
• Natural features setback ordinances
• River protection regulations
• Tree cutting and other vegetation cutting regulations
• Joint efforts with other programs (e.g., transportation)
Toolkit 6: Stakeholder collaborations
A new wetland was constructed in Adams Park in Omaha, Nebraska. This wetland can hold up to 77 acre feet, or more than 25 million gallons of stormwater, slow down flow speed, reduce flood risk, and improve water quality.
23
7.1 Provide wetland information and share with developers, landowners, and residents to highlight
the value of wetlands and the location of wetlands, and the activities dealing with wetlands
7.2 Set up wetland sign and display boards on public lands to improve public awareness of
wetland resources within each community
7.3 Conduct public education, outreach, and engagement activities through workshops, field
trips, open houses for school/college students, community residents, and landowners
7.4 Develop educational materials (handouts, flyers, posters, and signs) and electronic information
channels (webpage, videos, mobile applications, social media/networks, radio, television,
etc.)
7.5 Convene a community advisory committee and partner with citizen groups, non-
governmental organizations, and environmental groups for joint efforts on wetland
conservation
7.6 Engage citizens and stakeholders in wetland-related planning decision-making process
7.7 Sponsor some specific events for public engagement and media coverage
Toolkit 7: Education, outreach, and engagement
24
8.1 Start engagement early in the planning processes: An early stage of dialogue can bring an
opportunity for stakeholders to “come to the table” for the challenges and issues they are
facing. Early discussions facilitate collaborative approaches to integrate stakeholders who
may have different interests in the planning processes. Local programs (e.g., wetland,
stormwater, floodplain management, hazard mitigation, parks and recreation, water supply,
pollution control, etc.) are authorized by separate enabling legislation with separate budgets
and different operational procedures. Early engagement has more time to overcome these
barriers by bringing people and programs with common interests together.
8.2 Join cross-agency planning team and build partnerships from project level to system level: A
practical and efficient approach to promote integrated conservation planning is to start an
interagency collaboration and build public-private partnerships incrementally from a project
(American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, 2008). Partners need
time and trust to adapt their traditional project decision-making and implementation
processes to a more integrated, mutually-beneficial plan. The integrated planning is often
incremental, building on the success of specific joint efforts and collaborative working
experiences that address specific projects or environmental problems. The trust will lead to
the development of integrated cross-agency planning processes that can achieve multi-
purpose goals at the system level.
8.3 Seek for “win-win” solutions that have multi-objective strategies for wetland-related problem
solving: Identifying potential benefits helps break through historic barriers and generate
integrated collaborations. A successful integrated planning project should address the multi-
purpose needs and unique characteristics of the location and organizational relationships.
8.4 Ensure institutional leadership support and organizational resources commitment: The
institutional support from the leadership level or executive management level is a critical
element for effective integrated planning. Strong, high-level support is essential to set the
stage for integrated approaches. The financial/technical resources also help to develop a
strong capacity for integrated planning for joint wetland conservation.
8.5 Share high-quality environmental/wetland data for collaborative decision-making: Accurate
wetland geospatial dataset is an essential information tool that supports collaborative
decision-making. Planners need to work together with the support of geospatial data and
decision support tools.
Toolkit 8: Implementation mechanisms
25
Summary for integrated wetland conservation planning
Factual Base Principle and philosophy:
• Implement watershed-based management
• Promote ecosystem-based management
• Emphasize biodiversity-based management
Map and inventory:
• Define wetlands and specify wetland mapping standards
• Provide map/inventory of wetland resources (SSURGO, NWI)
• Specify wetland types and classifications
Wetland condition facts:
• Describe historical wetland loss/degradation
• Identify current wetland status and major challenges
• List the major federal/state/local regulations on wetland conservation
Goals and
objectives
• Goal for “no net Loss of wetlands”• Goal for anti-degradation of wetland conditions• Goal for increasing wetland quantity and quality
Stakeholder
coordination and
public participation
• Promote wetland information sharing, communication, education, outreach, engagement• Coordinate wetland conservation with other agencies/programs/plans/projects/landowners• Develop joint reviewing procedures/standards/committee for wetland-related projects
Policies, tools,
strategies
Regulatory policies:• Link local approval to federal/state wetland permitting (404 permit and 401 state certification)
• Set local regulations for natural area protection and ecosystem management• Develop local regulations/codes/ standards/requirements for land-use, water resources, etc.Wetland monitoring and assessment:• Conduct regular monitoring and assessment for wetland conditions and functions• Participate in national/state wetland condition assessment and related studies• Join multi-objective environmental conservation programs for monitoring/assessmentWetland water quality improvement:• Apply best management practices at the watershed scale• Adopt stormwater, erosion and sediment management for adjacent wetlands• Improve vegetation management for wetland sitesVoluntary wetland restoration:• Join the federally-funded or other sources of voluntary wetland restoration programs• Adopt a land acquisition program, conservation easement, land trust, mitigation bank, etc.• Provide local incentives (e.g., tax reduction, cost-sharing, etc.) for voluntary restoration
Implementation,
monitoring, and
updating
• Establish/participate wetland-related task force, committee, advisory group, leadership team• Specify implementation timelines, responsible agencies, support for wetland conservation• Join local plan’s updating mechanism and development continuum
A robust integrated plan for wetland conservation can be conceptually categorized by five
major planning components: (1) Factual base, (2) Goals and objectives, (3) Stakeholder
coordination and public participation, (4) Policies, tools, strategies, and (5) Implementation,
monitoring, and updating. In each component, the specific concepts, elements, indicators can
be strategically involved in specific types of plans depending on local environmental, social,
political, economic, and legal context.
Even though there is no unified code to guide the integrated wetland conservation
planning, the below framework and indicators can be a reference for planners to systematically
incorporate wetland conservation efforts into various types of local plans. The below summary
table with a list of the possible indicators considers the key elements and expectations from the
federal wetland management programs and the state-level wetland program plans. Local
planners can adjust them based on their local conditions.
Summary of five plan components for integrated wetland conservation planning
26
Acknowledgements and disclaimers
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• U.S. Department of Agriculture - Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS)
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
• Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
• Nebraska Department of Natural Resources
• Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy
• Nebraska Department of Transportation
• Nebraska Planning and Zoning Association
• City of Lincoln, NE
• City of Omaha, NE
• Saline Wetlands Conservation Partnership
• Rainwater Basin Joint Venture
• Playa Lakes Joint Venture
• Lower Platte South Natural Resources District
• Papio-Missouri River Natural Ressources District
• American Planning Association – Nebraska Chapter
• Ducks Unlimited
• Pheasants Forever
• The Nature Conservancy
• University of Nebraska-Lincoln
• This guidebook is funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Wetland Program
Development Grant (WPDG CD 97763501-0).
• The contents do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the governmental agencies
and do not mention the trade names or commercial products that constitute endorsement or
recommendation for use.
• The findings and conclusions in this document are those of the authors and do not necessarily
represent the views of governmental agencies.
27
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